Toxicological research in Finland

Extensive toxicological research is conducted at several Finnish universities and state research institutes. Major topics include risk assessment and general toxicology, as well as environmental, occupational and clinical toxicology. Important research areas are toxico-kinetics, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity and neurotoxicity of xenobiotics. Molecular toxicology and in vitro toxicology are new expanding areas.

Ecotoxicology is an important area of research. The impact of industrial chemicals on different ecosystems has been studied intensively in Finland.

Finnish toxicology has been characterized by a rapid positive development in both quality and quantity. Several doctoral degrees in toxicology are attained every year, and postgraduate studies are pursued both in national postgraduate programmes and international courses.

FST has formulated ethical guidelines to support, clarify and guide the practical work of toxicologists. These guidelines are based on laws, regulations and rules governing research and the field of toxicology.